South Korean Entrepreneur Charged with Attempted Murder Over $816,000 Crypto Losses
Seoul, Feb. 25 2026 — A man in his thirties is set to appear before the Seoul Eastern District Court on March 10, facing charges of attempted murder and violation of the Pesticide Control Act after prosecutors allege he poisoned a business partner with a pesticide‑laced coffee. The alleged crime is tied to a heated dispute over more than 800 k USD in Bitcoin‑related investment losses.
The alleged incident
According to the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors’ Office, the suspect added methomyl—a highly toxic pesticide—to his partner’s drink during a meeting at a café in November. The victim lost consciousness shortly after consuming the coffee, collapsed, and was rushed to a local hospital. He remained unconscious for three days before regaining awareness, yet continues to require follow‑up medical care.
In an interview with Asia Business Daily, the victim, who has not been identified publicly, said the attack occurred at a critical personal moment: he was preparing for marriage and his wife was in the early stages of pregnancy. “My family was on the brink of ruin. I have recovered considerably, but I still see doctors,” he stated.
Crypto‑investment dispute
The two men reportedly co‑founded a Bitcoin investment venture in 2022, offering private investors exposure to the volatile cryptocurrency market. Over time, the partnership soured when the accused allegedly incurred losses amounting to roughly 1.17 billion Korean won (≈ $816 k), a sum that included both company capital and his personal funds.
Following the loss, the victim assumed control of the firm’s finances, prompting the alleged assailant to confront him. Prosecutors argue that the confrontation escalated into the poisoning attempt.
Legal proceedings
- Charges: Attempted murder and violation of the Pesticide Control Act.
- Trial date: March 10, 2026, at the Seoul Eastern District Court.
- Potential sentence: Korean law permits up to life imprisonment for attempted murder, though final penalties will depend on the court’s assessment of intent, the degree of harm, and mitigating factors.
Wider crypto context in South Korea
The case emerges as South Korea’s cryptocurrency sector experiences a regulatory shift. After President Lee Jae‑myung’s election in June 2024, the government has pursued a more accommodating stance toward digital assets, introducing legislation to legalize stablecoins and encouraging banking involvement in the sector. Consequently, the nation now boasts over 16 million crypto‑exchange users—roughly 30 % of the adult population.
Nevertheless, the broader market has faced a downturn since late 2025. Bitcoin’s price plummeted from a November 2025 high of more than $125,000 to roughly $65,500 by early 2026, eroding confidence in high‑risk, unregulated investment schemes.
Analysis
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Regulatory implications – The prosecution’s focus on both the violent act and the pesticide violation underscores South Korean authorities’ willingness to pursue severe penalties for crimes tied to financial disputes. While the case does not directly involve crypto‑specific legislation, it highlights the risks of operating investment ventures without robust legal safeguards.
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Investor caution – As the crypto market wrestles with price volatility, investors are increasingly scrutinizing the credibility of private investment funds. The alleged loss of over $800 k and the subsequent violent retaliation may deter participation in informal crypto pools, pushing capital toward regulated exchanges and vetted products.
- Potential market perception – High‑profile criminal cases linked to crypto can reinforce negative stereotypes about the industry’s lack of transparency. Even though South Korea’s policy direction remains progressive, public sentiment may shift toward demanding stronger consumer protection measures.
Key Takeaways
- A South Korean man faces attempted‑murder charges after allegedly poisoning his crypto‑investment partner with methomyl‑tainted coffee.
- The dispute stemmed from losses exceeding 1.17 billion KRW (~$816 k) in a Bitcoin investment venture operating since 2022.
- The trial is scheduled for March 10, 2026, in Seoul’s Eastern District Court; penalties could be severe.
- South Korea’s crypto environment is currently expanding under pro‑crypto government policies, but market volatility and high‑profile criminal cases may temper enthusiasm.
- Investors are advised to prioritize regulated platforms and conduct thorough due diligence when engaging with private crypto investment schemes.
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